May 17, 2016 SHARE: Reading time: two minutes. The last of the Post-Easter reflections on the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. I’ve enjoyed this so much because Easter changes the way we think and the way we look at everything in our lives, including money. For a guy who didn’t have any, Jesus sure talked a lot about money and possessions. They say it’s the number one subject of the parables, but we all know that the primary subject of the parables is human hearts. I guess that’s why Jesus talked about it so much. He knows where our hearts are.Our old nature sees everything from a self-centered angle. It’s my point of view. From where I’m sitting, here, inside of me, money looks pretty important. As the saying goes, “I’ve had money and I’ve not had money and I prefer having money.” When Jesus rose victorious over sin, death and the grave, He gave us a new set of eyes. By faith we redefine treasure. The Rich Fool, when observed through the eyes of faith, really does look foolish. He tried to be a reservoir of God’s good gifts of material wealth, but the Lord’s economy works differently. We’re designed to be rivers, not reservoirs. Earning, saving and reserving enough money is so stressful. I know. I’ve got my retirement savings plans, my IRA’s, my annuities and all the rest, and they always seem like they’re hanging over my head like the sword of Damocles. Finances and budgets can become a real prison. Easter changes that. I can be serious about my finances without taking them too seriously. The Easter perspective helps me to see that many dollar bills will come and go, passing through my wallet and my fingers, but finally none of them will matter much. I find comfort in knowing that my Lord is providing for me day by day and somehow He will do so all the way to my last day. “Thanks, Lord. I’ll try to be as responsible and wise as I know how.” But I find joy in recognizing that God places His gifts in my hands in order that I might be a river of blessing to others. That’s an Easter, Big Picture perspective that faith in Jesus gives. It’s the freedom of the gospel to be generous; sometimes stupidly generous in the eyes of the world. I’m learning a faith-full generosity. Carol has the gift, so she’s a great teacher. It’s been a really fun journey. I still get twisted up about finances sometimes, but I’m learning to take a deep breath and keep eternity and the treasures of the kingdom in mind. That helps. Easter is freedom. Easter makes everything brand new. Isn’t God good? Thanks for reading. Our ministry is made possible by the generous donations of people just like you. Click here to discover how simple it is to make your gift of any size to Grace Place Wellness. Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a major benefactor to sponsor a retreat in your area? Our President/CEO Randy Fauser would love to hear from you today!